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SUBARU REDESIGNS AND REFINES FORESTER® FOR 2006
Safety and Reliability Champ Debuts New Styling and More Powerful Engines

NEW YORK, March 24, 2005 — Subaru of America, Inc., America's All-Wheel Drive market leader, today introduced the redesigned Forester for 2006 at the New York International Auto Show. Arriving in Subaru dealerships in June, the Forester gains new, more refined, yet rugged exterior styling, more powerful engines and a host of enhancements to driving performance, comfort and utility.

The 2006 Forester, like all Subaru vehicles, features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. 'Forester has been a strong performer since its introduction in 1997,' said Fred Adcock, executive vice president, Subaru of America, Inc. 'Its popularity has steadily increased with each new accolade it achieves from its excellent crashworthiness to its numerous recognitions for reliability and outright performance. Forester continues to surprise and delight customers.'

Sophisticated Exterior
New for 2006 Forester debuts an entirely new and more sophisticated front fascia design, including a new grille, four-lamp headlight clusters, bumper, hood and fenders. At the rear, the 2006 Forester is distinguished by new tail lamp clusters and a body-color trim panel that prominently displays the Subaru 6-star brand emblem. On base models, body color replaces textured-gray for the bumpers and protective cladding to impart a more refined appearance.All but entry-level models also get new larger body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals.The L.L.Bean Edition remains the top-of-the-line non-turbo Forester model.

More Power Across the Board for 2006
For 2006, all naturally-aspirated Forester models are badged 2.5 X.The 2.5-liter boxer engine in Forester 2.5 X models gains an Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) variable valve lift technology, which helps to boost horsepower to 173 (up from 165 in the 2005 models). More importantly, it improves real-world drivability and performance.

The already powerful turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter engine in the Forester 2.5 XT Limited gets a serious boost for 2006, pumping out an extra 20 horsepower (now at 230) as a result of a higher compression ratio and a redesigned intake manifold.The engine now meets the stricter Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) regulation while propelling the Forester to 60 mph in under six seconds.

Revisions to the manual and automatic transmissions help improve performance and responsiveness in all Forester models. Subaru has modified the electronically controlled version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on the automatic transmissions to provide both better handling and enhanced traction performance on slippery road surfaces. In addition, the 4-speed direct control electronic automatic transmission features an advanced adaptive shift control system. The new system controls transmission shift points based on driver input and vehicle load to optimize engine performance. New gear ratios in both the 2.5 XT manual and automatic transmissions help to optimize performance and fuel consumption.

Revised Line-Up Delivers Great Value
The 2006 Forester 2.5 X entry-level model starts as one of the best-equipped small SUVs, featuring as standard equipment front seat head/chest side-impact airbags, four-wheel ABS, 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, air filtration, AM/FM/Weatherband stereo with single-disc CD player and four speakers, power windows, mirrors and door locks, and a remote keyless entry system. New for 2006, the 60/40 split rear seatback incorporates fold-down arm rest, and the security system is now standard.

The available Premium Package enhances driving performance with rear disc brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), 8-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels and a viscous limited-slip rear differential. The Premium Package also bundles the power tilt/sliding glass moonroof and All-Weather Package that includes dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. Also included are an automatic climate control system, 8-way power driver's seat, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, upgraded speakers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter handle and parking brake handle.

The Forester 2.5 XT Limited model combines all of the equipment in the Premium Package and in addition features leather-trimmed upholstery and exclusive exterior and interior trim items.

Revised L.L.Bean Package
The Forester L.L.Bean Edition is identified by a two-tone appearance for 2006. It features either steel gray metallic or platinum silver metallic bumpers and body side cladding. A standard self-leveling rear suspension helps maintain ride level even when driving with a full load.

The interior features standard beige leather-trimmed upholstery with L.L.Bean logo-embossed front seats complemented by new Alcantara® side bolsters. A new MOMO® wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and matching-design shifter handle add to the luxurious character.

Sharper Handling and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Forester has long set a standard for responsive and comfortable driving performance among small SUVs. For 2006, Subaru has refined the drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems to give Forester models a more engaging driving experience and a more comfortable ride. In addition, ground clearance has been increased from 7.5 inches to 8.07 (7.87 on 2.5 XT) inches to enhance all-road, all-weather driving capability.

A strengthened rear crossmember increases lateral rigidly to help improve handling response. In front, the lower L-arm mounting point has been modified for a smoother ride. The coil spring rates and shock absorber valving have been revised in the front and rear. In all Forester models, changes to the brake booster help improve overall brake feel.

Proven Safety Leadership
The current-generation Subaru Forester earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highest rating ('good') in both the side impact crashworthiness evaluation and 40-mph frontal offset crash tests.The IIHS called Forester the 'best small SUV' it had tested.

The Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) include dual-stage deployment 'smart' front air bags and front seat head/chest side-impact air bags. The driver's side air bag deploys according to the driver's proximity to the steering wheel, measured by a sensor on the seat track. In the passenger side front seat, a sensor module detects weight on the passenger seat – first determining if it's occupied, and if so by a child or adult – to control air bag deployment. The front-seat active head restraints have been redesigned for 2006 and help to minimize whiplash injury.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes All-Wheel Drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only car company that offers Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line.

Source - Subaru

Rivaling the Kia Sportage, the Chevrolet Tracker and the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Subara Forester was introduced in 1998 as a ‘hybrid' vehicle that blended the attributes of a passenger vehicle and a sport-utility vehicle. A lightweight, small crossover SUV, or arguably a station wagon, the Forester was based on the Subaru Impreza platform and drivetrain. Subaru took the subcompact Impreza station wagon and raised its roofline which added a few extra inches to both the body length and width to create the Forester. Interior dimensions grew only slightly over the Impreza as a result of the wheelbase being increased fractionally. The Forester is equipped with AWD, All Wheel Drive transmission, as are all Subaru models that are marketed in the US and other international markets since the early ‘90s.

Subaru had envisioned the 5 passenger Forester being a more ‘truck-like' SUV much like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. Trying to appeal to the SUV oriented market, Subaru advertising employed the slogan ‘SUV tough, Car Easy'. The Forester features associated with SUVs such as a large, boxy cargo area, and more ground clearance than other Subaru models. The Forester does employ a car-like unibody chassis instead of the body-on-frame construction that is associated with trucks and larger SUVs.

In India the Forester was sold as a Chevrolet along with other Chevrolet models sold there. However, since General Motors no longer holds ownership stake in Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, sales in India of the Chevrolet-badged Forester have since ended. The Forester is produced at the Gunma Yajima Factory in Japan.

Going on sale were Base, L, and S models, each using Subaru's horizontally opposed, 165-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that was borrowed from the compact Legacy. Standard was a 5-speed manual transmission and optional was the 4-speed automatic. Power was sent automatically to the wheels with the most traction due to Forester's standard all-wheel-drive system that sensed wheel slip. Driver action was not needed. Compared to the Impreza wagon, ground clearance was elevated though Forester had no provision for low-range gearing, and was unimpressive when attempting serious off-road treks. The Forester featured 2000 pounds towing capacity.

Air conditioning and split folding rear seats were standard on the Forester, while L and S version added antilock braking. The Subaru S edition featured larger wheels and tires, a chrome grille, rear disc brakes, larger power mirrors and an upgraded interior.

For 1999 the Subaru Forester received modifications to quiet the engine, along with adding four pound-feet of torque. In an attempt to provide smoother, quicker shifts, transmission were revised. For this year new interior fabrics and colors were now available. L models received power side mirrors as standard. To improve crashworthiness, Foresters also gained structural modifications. In 1999 base-model Foresters could no longer receive the optional leather upholstery and remote keyless entry system.

For 2000 the Forester lineup was trimmed by Subaru, deleting the base-trimmed model while L and upscale S editions went on sale. The S model added a standard limited-slip differential while the Forester L received standard cruise control.

The following year the Forester received a slight facelift that included the addition of a new chrome grille, revised bumper and taillights and a reshaped bumper.

For 2002 the Subaru Forester received a standard retractable cargo-area cover along with two new option packages. The S Premium model was replaced by the OV Premium Package option. This new package included front side airbags, sunroof, and distinctive alloy wheels to the S. OV equipment plus leather upholstery was added to the new OK Package. For 2000, 2001 and 2002 the Forester was the winner of Australia's Best Recreational Four Wheel Drive.

A turbocharged Forester, the XT was introduced in 2003 alongside the naturally-aspirated XS. Similar to the turbo system of the Subaru Impreza WRX, the XT model features a 2.5L turbocharged engine. The engine in the Forester XT is most similar to the engine used in the US market Subaru Impreza WRX STi. This year's model Forester showcased weight-saving refinements that included an aluminum hood, hydro-formated front frame and perforated rails.

For 2004 and 2005 the Forester was Car and Driver magazine's Best Small SUV. For 2005 Subaru launched an STI variant of the Forester for the Japanese market. Sharing the same engine as the '05 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the Forester STI featured a different tuning that generated 320 bhp. This year also featured the introduction of Subaru's AVCS system as a standard feature on all engines used in the Forester.

The Forester was updated to include a more upscale look for 2006. Only two models were produced for this year and they included the 2.5X which had a naturally-aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 173hp and the 2.5 XT Limited, turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4 250 hp. The turbocharged engine that powered the Forest XT was awarded International Engine of the year in 2006. This engine is also used in the re-badged Saab 9-2X as well as the Subaru Impreza WRX.

In Australia three main models are available and these are the X which is naturally-aspirated with a 2.5 L flat-4 121 kW, the XS also naturally-aspirated 2.5 L flat-4, 121 kW, and the XT, turbocharged 2.5 L flat-4 169 kW. The XS and XT came with the option of having a ‘Luxury Pack' fitted, which allowed for leather seats and a sunroof. The XT model featured minor styling differences like the addition of a MOMO steering wheel as a standard feature. The X does not include curtain airbags, while both the XS and XT do.

Redesigned for the 2009 model year, the Subaru Forester was debuted in Japan on Christmas day 2007. The North American version was unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

Elizabeth Johnson

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